Top Things To Do in Lanesboro, MN

Lanesboro, MN is a town of 876 people and is located in the driftless area of southeast Minnesota. So, just what is the driftless area? It is the area where the glaciers did not touch. The result? No lakes, hills, valleys and sinkholes. It is also considered the bluff area.

Lanesboro is a beautiful town with many things to do. The scenery, the “Mayberry” (think Andy Griffith show) feel of the town, the many outdoor activities, but the one thing that stood out to me was the people. They truly love this area and care about the people who visit. It’s a community I have not experienced. We heard multiple times, “we came for a visit and knew we needed to live here.” That says a lot for a small town.

And, oh, by the way. Lanesboro has been declared the Rhubarb Capital of the state and they surely take that seriously!

Let’s take a tour.

Places to Stay

There are numerous places to stay in Lanesboro. One thing you will note is there are no chain hotels. Small boutique-type hotels and inns, along with Bed and Breakfasts. One such place located on mainstreet is the Root River Inn.

Root River Inn

The rooms in the Root River Inn are spacious and beautiful. Located on Main Street allows people to walk to many destinations within downtown. The owners, Ryan and Allie are very friendly and want you to have a good experience.

This Inn is perfect for singles or couples. There is room to offload your bikes at the Inn if needed. The famous Juniper’s Restaurant is directly across the street.

Cedar Valley Resort

This is absolutely a beautiful resort. Cedar Valley Resort has cabins from 3 bedrooms to 8 bedrooms. So if you are looking for a family getaway or a family reunion, this is the place to stay. There are so many things to do for both kids and adults.

Also, take note of all the bird feeders. Another nice note? There are no mosquitoes in the area because of the type of cold water source they have.

Food and Drink

One thing you will notice is that there are no fast food places or grocery stores in Lanesboro. And that’s not a bad thing. It’s actually a good thing. It just adds to the town’s quaintness.

Sylvan Brewing

Sylvan Brewing started in 2020. The building is an old farm granary and many remnants of the building have been incorporated in the brewery’s building. The owners have put their heart and soul into ensuring customers have a great experience in both their products and atmosphere.

Paddle on Coffee

A wonderful atmosphere for a coffee shop. Located on Main Street in Lanesboro, customers can enjoy a cup of coffee and/or small food items. A wonderful place to meet up with friends and acquaintances.

When we visited Paddle on Coffee, Steve Harris, the author of the Lanesboro Minnesota book was there to speak with us. What a treat and inspiration. The book covers any and everything you want to know about Lanesboro. You can order his book by contacting him at sharrislb@gmail.com.

The coffee shop is also owned by Ryan and Allie who own the Root River Inn.

Juniper’s Restaurant

Juniper’s opened in 2021. The award-winning chef specializes in classic French and Italian techniques combined with Midwest comfort food. The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was great. It was a wonderful dining experience with an award-winning chef.

Arome Pie Shoppe in Whalan

A short distance (5 miles) from Lanesboro and along the bike trail, is the Arome Pie Shoppe located in Whalan, MN population of 67. I will say the pie there is the best pie around. I have not had a piece of apple pie this good in a very long time. And, remember to have it topped with ice cream!

Along with the pie shop, there are a couple of retail stores selling many handmade items. Worth stopping for.

Retail

Driftless Fiber Arts

One of the fun retail shops is the Driftless Fiber Arts store. They specialize in quilting and yarn arts. Hosting crafting get-togethers is one of their favorite things to do. Fellow quilters come in, quilt and enjoy each other’s company and conversation. Not a quilter? No worries. There is also a place for knitters and crocheters.

The Peddler

Across the street from the Driftless Fiber Arts is The Peddler. A lot of homemade items are available for purchase.

Amish

The Lanesboro/Harmony area is known for Amish population. We took a tour with the Bluffscape Amish Tours where we visited a few of the Amish farms. On the Amish farms they have stores to sell items. Items such as plants, homemade items and baked goods. It’s fun to visit and see life with a different set of eyes and values.

Outdoor Activities

Spencer Park

Located between the high school and downtown Lanesboro is Spencer Park. Spencer Park is a great place for quietness near the river where you may see wildlife. There is also a gazebo that may be holding yoga classes and alongside the gazebo is a playground for children. A little bit of everything.

Biking

One of the biggest draws is the bike trails. Having converted from old train tracks and located in the midst of hills, you just can’t find a better place to enjoy a bike ride. Don’t have a bike? No problem. Little River’s Edge General Store has many types of bikes to choose from to rent.

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center: Ropes Course

Up on the bluffs is Eagle Bluff ELC. They have a ropes course visitors can attempt. I will admit, I did not go on the ropes course. Between my fear of heights and not having the greatest balance, I just wasn’t ready for that challenge.

But I took pictures and videos and cheered on my fellow travelers.

Niagara Cave

Located in Harmony, MN is the Niagara Cave, which is one of the top 10 caves in the U.S. I love how the Niagara Cave was discovered. In 1924, a farmer was trying to find his pigs and they fell into a sinkhole. The sinkhole led to the cave.

You are allowed to go into the cave. There are 555 steps to tour the cave. It’s well worth the tour if you can manage the up and down stairs. Also, bring a jacket as the cave is a steady 48 degrees.

Historic Stone Dam: Fly Fishing

The Root River runs through Lanesboro and along with the river is the Historic Stone Dam. One of the outdoor activities one can participate in is fly fishing. Need a guide or supplies? Root River Rod Co. can help you out.

This dam is one of only 6 gravity arch dams left in the U.S.